Educational Summer Fun for the Whole Family

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Jun 2009 07:07 AM

Just because school is out for the summer doesn't mean that your kids have to take a 3-month hiatus from learning. If you are planning a summer road trip across the United States, then consider making a pit stop at some of these educational destinations:

WASHINGTON

Give your kids a crash course in culture in Tacoma. That's where you'll find the 500-foot Chihuly Bridge of Glass, built by native glass artist Dale Chihuly. The one-of-a-kind stunning blue art piece spans the Thea Foss Waterway and connects the city's three museums -Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass; admission to all three is free every third Thursday.

NORTH DAKOTA

You'll never look at metal the same way again after visiting The Enchanted Highway in North Dakota. The road is lined with seven giant metal sculptures by North Dakotan Gary Greff, and includes a bronco-riding cowboy, geese in flight and the "Fisherman's Dream." You can view the eclectic metal masterpieces on the 32-mile route runs from Exit 72 off Interstate 94 east of Dickinson south to the town of Regent.

WEST VIRGINIA

If you are visiting West Virginia this June you can be one of the first to explore the state's newest museum. The 24,000-square-foot facility, in the cultural center at the state Capitol complex in Charleston, opens June 21. While there you can view the latest technological gems, which embellish exhibits along a chronological path leading from a prehistoric forest through a dark coal mine and into the present. The museum also showcases the state's art, music and industry.

WYOMING

Horse lovers will get their fill of fillies in Sheridan, where the Big Horn Polo Club - the oldest polo club west of the Mississippi - has matches on Sundays and the Flying H Polo Club has games on Saturdays, with some rehearsals during the week. Admission to the games and practices are free.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Jacob09 (5) 11 Jun 2009 01:46 AM

There are lots of ways to have fun without cost. Fun without cost is something that many of us used to have when we were children - times when laughter was easy, we didn't worry about personal loans or what many other people thought. Even going to the movies has become an expensive proposition, but there are ways to have fun without spending money. Like cooking food in dinner to be share with the family together instead of eating in the restaurant. Also, going to beach together. Cheap and affordable beaches can be your destination for a summer vacation.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 12 Jun 2009 06:03 AM

The beach and park are great places to have fun for free, but these ideas were for families who wanted an alternative to traditional cheap spots. Thanks for the comment!